The cricketing world is often embroiled in the ‘Greatest of All Time’ (GOAT) debate, usually centered around batting averages or bowling strikes. But when it comes to the third department area, the conversation is just as fierce. While modern admirers often point out Ravindra Jadejas bullet sleeve or Virat KohliHis athletic brilliance has been officially appreciated by ‘The King’ himself and his selection may surprise those caught up in the novelty bias of the IPL era.
Virat Kohli picks his favorite player of all time
In a viral “This or that” challenge shared by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) social media handles, Kohli was tasked with narrowing down the greatest fielder to ever grace the game. The challenge featured a legendary bracket, starting with Indian icons Suresh Raina and Yuvraj Singh. Kohli first bowed to the side Yuvraj Singheven keeping it ahead of legendary Muhammad Kaif and powerhouse Andrew Symonds.
But when the name was given, the momentum changed completely Jonty Rhodes got into a fight. Without even a second’s hesitation, Kohli spun. Despite his deep respect for teammate Jadeja, Kohli’s stance was firm:
“Jaddu is good but Jonty Rhodes was a whole other level” he said
The veteran Proteas star, famous for his iconic ‘flying’ run in the 1992 World Cup, remained unbeaten as he cruised past modern specialists like Kohli. Glenn Phillips and AB de Villiers. When asked to choose between himself and Rhodes, Kohli laughed off the comparison and said: “Jonty Rhodes. I’m not even part of this list!” It was a rare moment of humility from one of the world’s most athletic cricketers and cemented Rhodes as the undisputed gold standard in Kohli’s book.
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Kohli’s unparalleled IPL odyssey since 2008
While Kohli may give Rhodes a reprieve on the field, his own legacy Indian Premier League (IPL) unmatched not only for his runs, but for his unmatched loyalty. Since the inception of the league in 2008, Kohli remains the only player in IPL history to play for one franchise for 18 consecutive seasons.
Kohli’s journey with RCB, which began as a rookie U-19 World Cup-winning captain in 2008, is a masterclass in evolution. He went from a mediocre prospect to a “Working Machine” and broke records along the way. Most notably, in 2025, Kohli made history by becoming the first batsman to cross the 9,000-run mark for a franchise. Its statistical advantage is highlighted by:
- 9000+ runs: Most by any player for one team.
- Highlights of 2016: A record-breaking 973 runs in a season.
- Sequence: First player to score 600+ runs in five different IPL seasons (including 2024 and 2025).
Heading into the 2026 season, Kohli’s association with Bengaluru has transcended sports; is a cultural event. Even as he nears the twilight of his career, his commitment to the Red and Gold remains a benchmark for franchise loyalty in a league defined by constant auctions and changing rosters.
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